"Damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes, one of the region’s oldest – and most treasured – historic places will reopen to the public on Saturday 15 March."

When: Saturday 15 March between 11am and 2pm.
Where: Cotons’ Cottage, Cotons Road, off Bealey Road, Hororata.

Please RSVP by Wednesday 12 March at infosouthern@historic.org.nz or phone (04) 357 9629

The Media Release is as follows:

 

 

 

 

27 February 2014

Rare link to Canterbury’s settler history reopens

Damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes, one of the region’s oldest – and most treasured – historic places will reopen to the public on Saturday 15 March.

In 1864 Bentley Coton and his wife Sarah Jane purchased 50 acres (20 hectares) of land on the Canterbury Plains, building a cottage with a cob mixture of local clay and tussock. Cotons’ Cottage in Hororata has stood for 150 years as a prime example of an early settler’s farmhouse.

However, the cottage suffered considerable damage in the September 2010 earthquake, and, on engineering advice, required rebuilding. It was deconstructed to its foundations, with as much heritage fabric as possible retained for reuse.

“The reopening next month is a culmination of community hard work and love for a building that represents a rare remaining link to Canterbury’s early history,” says Paul McGahan, Heritage Destinations Southern Manager of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

It is not the first time the cottage has been rebuilt. Neglected for many years, it was rebuilt in 1977, at which time the clay from the original cottage was used, as were the original fire surround, mantelpiece, window-frames and door surround.

Over the years the Hororata community, particularly the Hororata Historical Society, have played a key role in the survival of the Cottage.

Expert earth restoration and building practitioner, Blue Forsyth, has led the latest rebuild, working tirelessly in some adverse conditions. Blue will be on-site on reopening day to explain the process and provide a cobbing demonstration.

The reopening will also feature speeches from the Hororata Historical Society and the NZHPT. This will be followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony before the public can enter the cottage for the first time since the September 2010 earthquake. Light refreshments will be served.

Paul says the cottage has been an important part of the community for 150 years. In the period prior to the district's Anglican Church being built in 1875, regular use of the cottage was made for religious services. The cottage and surrounding land were gifted to the Crown in 1974 by its owners for an historic reserve.

“The fact that Hororata got so badly hit in that first earthquake, it’s a significant contribution back to the community. Despite being a small building, it’s a huge  part of the heritage fabric of the district.

“The reopening is also an important symbol of the ongoing recovery part of Canterbury following the earthquakes.”

When: Saturday 15 March between 11am and 2pm.

Where: Cotons’ Cottage, Cotons Road, off Bealey Road, Hororata.

There is plenty of car parking available on the site. The event, and entry to the cottage is free.

Please RSVP by Wednesday 12 March at infosouthern@historic.org.nz or phone (04) 357 9629

Media contact:

Paul McGahan
Heritage Destinations Manager Southern
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
(t) 027 224 5686
(e) pmcgahan@historic.org.nz